Nebraska City hosts Peru State Bobcats for homecoming game while Oak Bowl is under construction

Tuesday

Nov 5, 2013 at 1:33 PM

Gus Krajicek, who played offensive guard and linebacker from 1971 to 1975, addressed the Bobcats prior to their Nov. 2 homecoming game against Missouri Valley at Pioneer Field in Nebraska City.

Krajicek said the homecoming game was especially meaningful to him because he and his three brothers all attended Peru State College and played football. One of his brothers suffered a stroke last year and the game was his first time back in the stands.

It was 40 years ago that Krajicek played on a Bobcat team that defeated Kearney State College in what he described as a classic David and Goliath story. Krajicek told the team that on any given day, it can happen that passion decides the game.

Dan Swanson

Gus Krajicek, who played offensive guard and linebacker from 1971 to 1975, addressed the Bobcats prior to their Nov. 2 homecoming game against Missouri Valley at Pioneer Field in Nebraska City.

Krajicek said the homecoming game was especially meaningful to him because he and his three brothers all attended Peru State College and played football. One of his brothers suffered a stroke last year and the game was his first time back in the stands.

It was 40 years ago that Krajicek played on a Bobcat team that defeated Kearney State College in what he described as a classic David and Goliath story. Krajicek told the team that on any given day, it can happen that passion decides the game.

“Whether you win or lose, you're still Bobcats,” he said.

He said his father, who raised eight kids farming and working in a packing house in the winter, taught him that its integrity that counts, rather than wins or losses.

“If you gave it all you could, that's what is important,” Krajicek said. Jeff Edwards, Nebraska City school superintendent, said Nebraska City was honored to host Peru State's homecoming game.

“Anytime we can do this with our neighbors, we're happy. It builds good relationships,” he said.

Peru State provided space for district one-acts play a couple of years ago when the high school could not find room, so Edwards said the school is happy to return the favor as Peru remodels the Oak Bowl.

Dan Hansen, Peru State College president, said the college is a part of the community and welcomes the opportunity to hold games in the region.

He said the capacity crowd at Pioneer Field is indicative of homecoming excitement every year for the Bobcats, but this year is especially energetic because the the team is playing so well.